Share

Mathews buoyed by Ireland win

Dublin - Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews expects his side to improve quickly once they get used to conditions in the British Isles.

Speaking after what proved to be a comfortable 79-run victory over Ireland in Dublin on Tuesday, in the first of two one-day internationals before they arrive in England for a Test match and full ODI series, Mathews admitted it was a sluggish start but was encouraged by the performance.

"The guys were a bit scrappy today but to get over the line was a good effort," he said. "It's only the start of the tour and when we adapt to the conditions we will perform better and better."

As expected, spin bowlers proved the Sri Lankan match-winners and Mathews always thought their total of 219 for eight would be enough.

"I was not really bothered at halfway. I knew I had the bowlers to defend the total. The pitch played pretty slow in the first half and our batters had to work hard to get to 220 and it was a very pleasing effort. It played better in the second, but the spinners were key.

"(Ajantha) Mendis bowled some really good balls as did (Sachithra) Senanayake. The two fast bowlers also came to the party.

"We didn't know what kind of total was a good one as we haven't played here before, and that's why we wanted to bowl first," Mathews added.

The helpful early conditions for the bowlers left Sri Lanka at 95 for five after 30 overs, with Middlesex's Tim Murtagh the pick of the Ireland attack.

But Nuwan Kulasekara finished strongly, scoring 42 not out from 34 balls with three fours and the only two sixes of the innings and, crucially, shared an unbroken stand of 43 in just 22 balls with Mendis.

Ireland captain William Porterfield gave much of the credit for his side struggles to Mendis but said that some of the wickets lost were avoidable.

"Two new balls were always going to do something early on but to be only two down going into the 19th over with 60 on the board was good," he said.

"Mendis was always going to be a threat on that pitch. But the run out of Gary Wilson (immediately after Mendis had Niall O'Brien for 33) set us back and Kevin (O'Brien's first ball) dismissal put us on the back foot.

"He will say he was disappointed with his shot and the loss of four wickets killed us," said Porterfield.

Those wickets fell in 29 balls as Ireland slumped from 63 for two to 74 for six, effectively ending the game as a contest; Ireland were bowled out inside 40 overs for 140 with Mendis finishing with three for 27.

But Porterfield insisted Mendis could be tamed with the help of more discipline in the batting.

"Some dismissals were avoidable but we have to pick ourselves up and come back on Thursday. Credit to Mendis but we can come through it and take him for 35 for minimum loss which would set ourselves up," said Porterfield

"On another fresh pitch, we will have a very good chance and while we are disappointed how we batted, especially through the middle overs, there's no reason why we can't turn them over on Thursday."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE